NYC Parks Cuts The Ribbon On Restoration Of James Madison Plaza In Lower Manhattan

NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

On Thursday, October 24, Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner William Castro joined City Council Member Margaret Chin, Lower Manhattan Development Corp. Director of WTC Development and Special Projects Phil Plotch, Murry Bergtraum High School Principal Lottie Almonte, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Headquarters Security Unit Lt. William Church, NYC Parks Deputy Chief of Design Nancy Prince, and members of the Chinatown community to cut the ribbon on restorations to James Madison Plaza, located at the intersection of Pearl Street, Madison Street and St. James Place in Lower Manhattan.

"The transformation of James Madison Plaza is one of the many park improvements that have taken place in Lower Manhattan over the past decade," said NYC Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White. "Wherever we could find available space, we added greenery to make Lower Manhattan a more welcoming and enjoyable place for its residents, workers and visitors. Special thanks to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and the NYPD for providing the funds so that the Chinatown community can enjoy this urban oasis."

The restoration of James Madison Plaza transformed a paved lot into an attractive sitting area surrounded by a colorful garden. A unique, interactive fountain – a polished granite sphere etched with a world map that can be turned by hand – recognizes the international influences of the Chinatown community. Flowing ribbons of granite pavement weave from the entrances through the space.

The project was funded with allocations of $2.16 million from the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. and $109,000 from the NYPD for security bollards.